JPH0691001A - Soft tubes closure sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To detect blocking force to a flexible fluid duct, by equipping a touch member arm part to cooperate with a force sensitive plunger to engage or separate a pair od contact members corresponding to application of minimum force to the plunger and placing the plunger in a sensor gap through which the duct extends. CONSTITUTION: A rotary blocking sensor arm part 780 to cooperate with a sensor system 700 includes a protruding presser member 782 extending through an opening 784 in a plate member 704 and acts so as to clamp the flexible duct in a sensor gap 720. The force member 782 of the blocking arm part 780 does not give sufficient clamp force through a flexible duct in the sensor gap 720 and the sensor system 700 does not register the blocked condition until the clamp force is given and clearly judges the blocking condition of the duct. The sensor system 700 can use various sizes of ducts and clearly detects the blocking condition when the deviation of the spring 32 is sufficient to block the duct.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 6 is a continuation application of U.S. patent application no. , 683 was a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 938,976, filed December 5, 1986, which is now abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to a system for transferring fluid from an individual source container to a receiving container, and more particularly, a single vial, bottle or bag for dispensing a single dose to a patient. It relates to a system for transferring a liquid drug to a solution bag or bottle.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art In hospitals, it is often necessary to provide solutions containing various drugs in a single solution container to administer a drip therapy to a patient. A common case of such a need occurs when a patient receives all the nutritional needs by infusion. In this case, the patient will typically receive a base solution containing amino acids, dextrose, and a fat emulsion that provide the major portion of what is needed for the patient's nutrition. However, this solution is insufficient to maintain the patient for long periods of time. Therefore, a typical complete parenteral solution is 8
To 12 additional additives. Additives are typically trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and the like. Therefore, when a pharmacist prepares a complete parenteral nutrition solution, the pharmacist may
Each additional additive must be added individually to the solution container. Since this is typically done by individual injectors, accurately adding all the additives for each of the required additives requires a relatively long time on the part of the pharmacist. To do.

Automatic mixing devices have recently been developed to assist pharmacists in preparing complete parenteral nutrition solutions. This device is described in US Pat. No. 4,467,844 and US Pat. No. 4,513,796, incorporated herein by reference. This device is used to assist pharmacists in automatically mixing basic solutions of amino acids, dextrose and fat emulsions.
Typically, this system uses three or more peristaltic pumps to individually pump each base solution from three or more separate source vessels. Computer software has also been developed and is currently in use to program the volume of solution required for a series of individual patients. This program is designed to operate the automated mixing device described in each of the above patents. This program is fully described in US Patent Application No. 665,268, filed October 26, 1984, which is also incorporated herein by reference. While this system offers tremendous advantages to the pharmacist, it does not lend itself to adding trace fluid additives to the containment vessel. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can dispense very small volumes of fluid within a container with great accuracy.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a device for dispensing very small volumes of fluid within a single container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide software for controlling the above device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that uses a single pump to dispense multiple fluids from multiple source containers into a single receiving container.

Yet another object of the present invention is a system for accurately controlling fluid outflow in which fluid from multiple containers is transferred to an intermediate measurement chamber and then automatically transferred to a receiving container. To provide.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means for creating positive and negative pressure within the measurement chamber as described above to control fluid outflow into and out of the chamber.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dosing set for transferring fluid from multiple source containers to the measurement chamber and then from the measurement chamber to a single receiving container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for accurately recording and maintaining a record of the movement of multiple fluids into a single container.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide means for periodically flushing the liquid into the above-mentioned measuring chamber for rinsing the chamber containing any incompatible drug.

The present invention can be briefly described as an apparatus for accurately moving a large number of individual fluids from a large number of source containers into a single receiving chamber. Fluid exits the multiple source vessels via individual fluid inlet conduits into a measurement chamber having a single fluid outlet conduit in fluid communication with a single receiving vessel. The chamber also has a pressure conduit.
First obstruction means for selectively blocking fluid outflow from each of the individual fluid inlet conduits into the chamber is provided in accordance with the present invention. Pressure means or differential pressure sources for selectively creating positive and negative pressures in the chamber are also provided to control the rate of fluid outflow through the chamber. A second closure means is provided for selectively blocking fluid outflow from the chamber outlet fluid conduit to the containment vessel to control fluid outflow from the chamber to the containment vessel.

Control means for controlling the first closure means, the second closure means and the pressure means are provided to achieve various functions. For example, the control means causes the first closure means to allow fluid to flow out through at least one of the individual fluid conduits while preventing the second closure means from flowing out of the fluid into the receiving container. To let The control means also simultaneously cause the pressure means to create a negative pressure in the chamber in order to precisely control the amount and rate of fluid outflow into the chamber. The control means further causes the first closure means to prevent fluid outflow through all individual fluid conduits after the predetermined amount of fluid has been delivered to the chamber. The control means then further causes the second closure means to allow fluid to flow from the containment chamber through the outlet conduit while simultaneously causing the pressure means to force the fluid from the chamber into the containment vessel. To create a positive pressure.

To these ends, the present invention provides a device for sensing the occluding force exerted on a flexible fluid conduit by means of two opposing faces which squeeze or sandwich the conduit therebetween. One of those planes includes a force sensor. The present invention also provides an apparatus for applying a closure force to a flexible fluid conduit that includes a closure member that is activated to apply a force to one side of the conduit and a force sensor located opposite the conduit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid conduit closure force applied through the conduit is changed by changing the state of the switch only when a predetermined minimum force is applied through the conduit. A system is provided for detecting. A force sensitive plunger is provided that cooperates with one of the pair of contact members to make or break the contact between the contact members depending on the application of the minimum closing force.

In the preferred embodiment, one of the contact members is a leaf spring having electrical contacts mounted thereon. The plunger cooperates with the leaf spring to shut off contact between the contact members in response to the application of the closing force.

In another embodiment, the plunger is a spring loaded such that a minimum force is required to move the plunger into engagement with the contact member.

In another embodiment, the contact members are normally held in contact by the plunger with the application of minimal force.

An advantage of the present invention is the provision of a system for positively identifying whether sufficient occluding force has been applied to the fluid conduit to place the conduit in the occluded state.

Another advantage of the present invention is a system for sensing obstruction forces that accommodates conduits of varying size and thickness.

Other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments and the drawings.

It is to be understood that the terms conduit, tubing, and tubing, as used herein, are used interchangeably throughout the specification, unless otherwise noted. . Thus, unless expressly noted otherwise, the use of one term with respect to another term is not, and should not, be implied.

[0024]

[Explanation of mechanical characteristics of the device]

A. Overview In accordance with the present invention, device 10 (FIG. 1) provides for precise transfer of individual doses of separated fluid from individual source containers 12. Each individual source container
It may contain different fluids 14. In some cases, the fluid in one container may be incompatible with the fluid contained in another container. In accordance with the present invention, fluid is transferred to a single chamber 18 via individual fluid conduits 16 separate from each source vessel. The chamber 18 is suspended from a load cell assembly 20. The load cell 20 constantly measures the total weight of the chamber and produces an output signal indicative of the amount of fluid in the chamber at any given time.

The chamber 18 is provided with a single chamber fluid outlet conduit 22 which is in fluid communication with a single container 24. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the containment chamber 24 comprises a base solution 2 typically consisting of amino acids, dextrose and a fat emulsion.
In step 5, it may be partially filled before. However, it is not required that the containment vessel contain any fluid prior to operation of the device. Chamber 18 also includes a pressure conduit 26 in contact with the pressure means. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure means is a single peristaltic pump, which is discussed in more detail below. The purpose of the pressure means is to selectively create positive and negative pressures in the chamber 18 during operation of the device to control the rate of fluid flow into or out of the chamber.

The device is further provided with a first closure means 28, which will be discussed in more detail below. The purpose of the first closure means is that the fluid outflow from each of the individual fluid conduits 16 in the absence of a command from the control means 32 is
8 to selectively prevent entry. During operation of the device in the preferred mode of the present invention, the first closure means 28 is operated from one source container 12 to one chamber 1 at a time.
8, would only allow fluid to flow out. In this way, through the use of load cell 20,
The amount of fluid flowing out of each container into the chamber can be monitored very accurately. The apparatus further includes second closure means 30 for selectively blocking the outflow of fluid from the chamber outlet fluid conduit 22 to the receiving chamber 24.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second closure means is a solenoid occluder. The occluder will be discussed in more detail below.

The device is controlled by control means 32 which controls the pressure means as well as the first and second closure means. The control means allows fluid outflow through at least one of the individual fluid conduits 16 while causing the second closure means 30 to prevent fluid outflow from the chamber 18 into the receiving container. The control means creates a negative pressure in the chamber, thereby causing fluid to flow from the source container 12 into the chamber via individual conduit lines 16 to increase fluid outflow into chamber 18. After the load cell 20 detects that the proper amount of fluid has entered the chamber 18 from the particular source container 12,
The control means causes the first closure means 28 to prevent further fluid outflow from the source container. At this time, the control means 32 then allows the first closing means 28 to allow the fluid to flow out of the other source container into the chamber, or opens the second closing means 30 to allow the chamber 18 to move from the receiving container to the receiving container. Fluid may be allowed to flow into 24.

If the first fluid and the second fluid are compatible with each other and there is sufficient room in the chamber to accommodate the total volume of the second fluid to be dispensed, The control means may allow the second fluid to flow into the chamber when the one fluid is still present in the chamber.
If the two fluids are not compatible with each other when properly programmed and are incompatible, or if there is not enough room in the chamber, then the first fluid is still present, The control means will not allow the second fluid to enter the chamber. The control means 32 causes the pressure means to generate a positive pressure in the pressure conduit 26 in fluid communication with the chamber 18 to increase fluid outflow from the chamber 18 into the receiving container 24. This creates a positive pressure in the room,
Thus, when the second closure means 30 opens to allow fluid to flow from the chamber to the container 24, the positive pressure will cause the fluid to exit the chamber and enter the container 24. This greatly reduces the retention of fluid in the chamber 18.

B. Transfer Set Referring now to FIG. 2, transfer set 34 is described in greater detail. The purpose of the transfer set 34 is to transfer fluid from each individual container 12 into the receiving container 24. As shown in FIG. 2, transfer set 34 includes a plurality of individual fluid conduits 16. Each individual fluid conduit 16 is formed of flexible tubing. Polyvinyl chloride (polyvinyl chloride)
oride (PVC) pipe and polyethylene (polye)
Various materials can be used to make the flexible conduit, such as a tube. Polyethylene tubing may be desirable when the device is used with drugs that are incompatible with PVC. The proximal ends of the individual conduits 16 are
It is installed inside. The purpose of the tray is to keep each conduit 16 in a separate and spaced relationship from the other conduits to keep the tubes organized when the transfer set is mounted on the device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the tray is PVC or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (glycol-modified P).
ollyethyleneteraphthalate
(PETG)) vacuum formed plastic tray.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tray is specifically designed so that the end 39 of each fluid conduit 16 is adjacent to the particular source container 12 to which the end 39 of the conduit 16 is connected. Is located. Referring again to FIG. 1, the individual conduits 16 are such that half of the individual conduits 16 are directed to one side of the device 10, while the other half of the individual conduits are below the other side of the device. Exiting the tray 38 in such a way as to direct. Since the source containers in the preferred embodiment are located along both sides of the device 10, this means that when the transfer set is positioned within the device 10, the proper individual conduits 16 will be in their respective positions. Help the pharmacist to ensure that it is connected to the container 12.

In certain embodiments of the invention, each individual conduit has a color-coded adapter, stripe-coded or otherwise coded onto the tube to indicate the identity of a particular tube. You can use it. In the preferred embodiment, each tube includes a spike 40 that is vented at the distal end. The spikes 40 are used to provide fluid communication between the distal end of the tube 16 and the individual container 12. The purpose of providing the vented spikes 40 is to allow air to be dispensed from the source container when the source container is rigid and is a non-vented vial. To be sent into the source container 12.

It is still contemplated that the source container will be formed of either a glass bottle, a plastic bottle, a bottle or a bag. However, if a flexible container is used as the source container, or if the bottle is a solid, vented bottle, it is not necessary to provide ventilation in the spike.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the tray 38 includes a connector 42. Base end portion 41 of each fluid conduit 16
Is attached to one side of the coupler. A very flexible individual tube 43 is mounted on the other side of the connector. The coupler is illustrated in more detail in Figures 3 (a) and 3 (b). As shown, the coupler 42 includes a first series of connecting conduits 46 extending from one side of the wall 44.
And a second series of connecting conduits 48 extending from the other side of the wall 44. Each of the first and second connecting conduits in series is in fluid communication with each other such that the proximal end of each conduit 16 is secured in fluid communication with one of the first series of conduits 46, and Flexible individual conduits 43
Fluid communication between the conduit 16 and its respective highly flexible tube 43 when one of its proximal ends is attached to one of the series of second conduits 48. While other methods for creating fluid communication between conduit 16 and individual tubes 43 may be used in accordance with the present invention, FIG.
The coupler shown in (b) represents one system for holding the tubes in a very organized manner while attaching the two parts of the tubes to each other.

Referring again to FIG. 2, as shown, the tray 38 is immediately adjacent to the connector 42 and holds the flexible tubing in spaced relation to each other in a first series. It includes fingers 50. Then the flexible tube 43
Located in the tray, they pass between openings or windows 52 in the tray. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the tray is mounted in the device 10,
The opening is in direct contact with the first closure means 28 to provide proper closure of the flexible tube 43.

As shown in FIG. 2, individual tubes 43 then pass through a second series of fingers 54 downstream of the window. The second series of fingers 54 also holds the tube in place to ensure proper tube occlusion occurs. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is possible to provide various systems for holding the tube in place based on the teachings herein.

One end of the tray 38 is provided with mounting means or elbows for holding the individual tubes 43 so that the tubes exit the tray. The mounting means are specially designed to position the tube in an upwardly extending position to reduce mechanical stress effects on the tube on the chamber 18. In other words, it is important that the tube 64 does not generate various forces on the chamber 18 that would erroneously affect the load cell readings during operation of the device. This aspect of the invention will be discussed in more detail below.

The mounting means 56 are more clearly described in FIG. As seen in FIG. 4, the mounting means 56 in the preferred embodiment comprises a pair of interlocking plates 58,60. Each plate contains parallel grooves for receiving each of the individual conduits. One of the purposes of the grooves is to space the tubes closer together and to orient the tubes to the upper position as described above. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual tubes 43 can be molded as a unitary member, as illustrated in FIGS. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 (a) (b), all of the tubes 43 can be formed as a unitary member with a relatively thin connection 62 connecting each tube to its adjacent tube.
After manufacture of the tube using this technique, the first portion 64 of the tube is
(FIG. 2) can be maintained as a unitary member, while the second section 66 of the tube is provided separately to form an individual tube mounted between the connecting means 42 and the mating plate 56. Can be split apart where they pass through the window 52.

As seen in FIG. 2, one end of each tube 43 is connected to a collecting tube 67 at the top of the chamber 18. The collecting pipe is shown in more detail in Figures 6 (a) and 6 (b). As can be seen in FIG. 6 (a), the collecting pipes of the individual pipes 43 are provided to provide fluid communication between the individual fluid pipes and the chamber when the collecting pipe is connected to the chamber. It includes a series of connecting conduits 68 to which each of the one ends is attached. The collecting tube has an individually spaced drop forming structure for each line to prevent the accumulation of droplets on the collecting tube. This precludes the possibility of mixing incompatible solutions by droplets hanging in the collecting tube. This also hinders weighing the material that is not transferred accurately into the container.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collecting tube 67 can be separated from the chamber. This feature of the invention allows the user of the device to change the chamber 18 without changing the remaining tubes of the transfer set for each patient. Although it is not currently envisioned that it would be necessary to change the chamber after preparing the solution for each individual patient, highly contraindicated or highly toxic agents may cause this device to It may sometimes be desirable to use a new chamber whenever dispensed using. As seen in FIG. 6 (b), the mechanism by which the collecting tube is removably engaged with the chamber includes a pair of latches 70. Each latch is shown in Figure 7 (c).
The collecting pipe 67 can be bent to remove it from the engagement groove 72 in the top or lid 74 of the chamber 18 shown in FIG. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the latch is
It consists of an arm 76 attached to a frame 78 of the collecting pipe. A flexible connecting portion 80 holds the arm 76 in a parallel relationship with a portion of the frame 78 of the collecting tube. Since the latch 70 can be bent, the arm 76 and the frame 78 are
The collecting tubes are no longer parallel to each other and are removed from the chamber lid 74.

In order to provide a temporary seal between the collecting pipe and the chamber lid 74, in an embodiment of the present invention O
A ring 82 is provided around the groove 84 of the collecting pipe. The O-ring is typically molded of silicone rubber or neoprene, however, other materials may be used. The O-ring provides an airtight seal between the collecting tube and the lid while the collecting tube engages the lid of the chamber.

C. Chamber The chamber of the preferred embodiment is more clearly shown in Figures 7 (a) (b) (c). As can be seen in FIG. 7 (a), the chamber 18 in the exemplary embodiment has a generally rectangular cross-sectional area. The reason for providing a rectangular cross-sectional area for the chamber is to allow the body of the chamber to be located as close to the device 10 as possible when the transfer set 34 is loaded into the device. The chamber is also designed to have a wall 80 that slopes downwardly from the top of the chamber towards the outlet conduit 22. This also helps absorb the collisions on the load cell of the acceleration of the fluid by gravity. The effective height for acceleration is reduced by the funnel shape. It also rinses the room (rinse: r
inse) reduces splashing, which means reducing the need for cycles. This increases fluid outflow from the chamber through the outlet conduit 22. It is possible for those skilled in the art to design the chamber with other shapes, as will be readily apparent.

An important feature of chamber 18 is the pressure line 26.
(Fig. 1) communicates with the upper part of the chamber, and the collecting pipe 67
Is the fact of delivering individual fluids from each individual fluid line into the chamber via separate fluid passages.
This means that by the time the fluid enters the chamber, no mixing of the fluid will occur. As discussed above, if desired, it is possible to prevent mixing of the fluids within the chamber by emptying the chamber after each individual fluid has entered the chamber.

D. Outlet Conduit In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet conduit 22 is
It is in fluid communication with the bottom of the chamber. Referring again to FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second closure means 30 is provided to prevent fluid outflow from the chamber when the chamber is full. Second closing means 3
1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
5, in more detail. As can be seen, the outlet conduit 22 is provided with register means, such as a tab 82, which fits within a tab housing within the body 84 of the second closure means. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outlet conduit is circularly directional to reduce mechanical stress effects above the chamber.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second closure means is an energizable solenoid 86 having a rod 88 movable from an extended position to a retracted position, in which position the rod is a chamber fluid. Outlet conduit 2
Not in contact with 2. In the extended position, the rod contacts the conduit 22 and impedes fluid outflow through the conduit. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the solenoid is not energized, the rod is in the extended position, blocking fluid outflow. Thus, if the control means 32 does not energize the solenoid 86 to retract the rod 88, the outflow from the chamber will always be blocked when the device is activated.

E. First Closing Means Referring now to FIG. 9, when the moving set 34 is positioned within the apparatus, the tray 38 of the set is such that the window 52 is located adjacent to the first closing means 28. Will be placed. Each flexible individual tube 43 adjacent the window 52 is located adjacent a number of individual closure arms 90 within the first closure means.

The operation of the first closing means is more clearly described in FIG. As can be seen in the figure, the closure means
It includes a frame 112 for housing each portion (not shown) of the flexible individual tube. As discussed above, the supple individual tubes are positioned in parallel relationship spaced from each other within the frame. A large number of closed arm portions 90 are pivotally mounted in the frame 112. Each arm is rotatable from the first position to the second position, and when each arm is in the first position,
The fluid outflow through its respective flexible individual tube 43 is completely blocked. When the arms 90 are in the second position, fluid outflow is permitted through their respective conduits. The first closure means 28 is provided with a number of individual biasing means for biasing each of the arms to the first position. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual biasing means comprises a spring 94 located at the first end 98 of each arm 90, with the flexible end of each individual tube 43 being the same end 98 of each arm. The tube is occluded by pressing it toward. More specifically, each spring 9
4 is located below the first end 98 of the arm and causes blockage of individual tubes.

The first closing means 28 is also provided with a first driving means 100 for overcoming the individual biasing means 94, and in response to a command from the control means 32, the arm 90.
Push at least one of the to the second position. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first drive means includes a drive screw 102 mounted transversely with respect to the individual tubes 43 and mounted in the frame. Carriage 1
04 is provided on the drive screw. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a motor 105 is provided on the carriage and moves the carriage along the drive screw in response to a command from the control means 32. The carriage is moveable along the drive screw so that the carriage is under each of the individual closure arms 90.
Can be instantly located. Bias winning means 106
The carriage 1 between the carriage and the individual closed arms.
04 is mounted on the 04, the bias defeat means 106,
Only one of the individual biasing means or springs 90 is overcome when immediately below one of the individual closure arms 90. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the biasing means 106 is a single solenoid 108 including a rod 110 movable from a retracted position to an extended position. In the retracted position, the rod is not in contact with the adjacent closed arm 90. In the extended position, the rod
Adjacent closure arms 90 are urged from the first position to the second position such that the first end 98 of the closure arms 90 is retracted from its associated individual tube 43. This allows fluid to exit through the individual conduits. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rod 110 has a width that is less than the distance of the spaced apart portions of the individual occluding arms so that only one occluding arm contacts at a time. You can This is to ensure that the fluid can flow out through only one individual fluid conduit at a time, fail safes.
afe) means are provided.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first closure means 28 (FIG. 9) includes a door 114 hinged to the frame 112. The hinged door can be opened to receive the window 52 of the transfer set 34. The frame 112 includes the individual closed arms 90.
Opening 11 for receiving a portion of the first end 98 of each of the
Includes 6. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
The openings are coated with a resilient material 118 to limit the possibility of fluid leakage of the first closure means 28 into the drive means 100. The resilient material 118 may be formed of silicone in the preferred embodiment.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first closure means 28 detects the position of each flexible individual tube 43 within the frame and whether the individual tube is blocked by the arm. May include a sensing means for determining The detection means is the door 114 of the frame.
It may include a switch held in place by a series of springs within. Typically these switches are
It may be a two position switch that detects the presence of a blocking force on each of the individual tubes when the door 114 is closed over the tubes. If the tube is not in its proper position, or if the obstruction arm is not properly biased to occlude its respective conduit, a relatively weak force will be detected by the two-position sensor and possible equipment failure. Will show sex.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the tray of the moving set and the frame of the first closure device are provided with interlocking means to properly position the tray within the frame of the first closure device. To ensure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the mating means comprises a pair of mating nails 120 extending outwardly within the frame 112 and a corresponding pair of openings 122 in the tray of the moving set. Thus, when the operator places the tray of the transfer set within the frame of the closure device, the opening 122 closes the door 122 to close the door 114 of the frame.
Must be located above 20. This is one mechanism for inspecting whether the position of each flexible tube 43 is in the proper position.

F. Pressure Means As discussed above, the pressure means 124 (FIG. 10)
Provided to selectively create positive and negative pressures in chamber 18 to control the rate of fluid outflow through the chamber. The pressure means is in fluid communication with the second end 126 of the pressure conduit 26. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure conduit 26 is simply the conduit line 128 of the transfer set 34. This conduit line 12
Unlike the other individual conduit lines 16, 8 is not connected to the individual outlet vessels. Instead, the conduit line 128 provides a filtering means for filtering the air entering the conduit line 128 and is connected to a pump.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the filtering means is a 0.22 micron filter 130.
The 0.22 micron filter used in the preferred embodiment provides a bacterial barrier between the chamber and the environment. As shown in FIG. 11, the filter 130 includes a coupling device for coupling the air line 128 to the coupling 132 in the pressure means. A flexible tube 134 having a first end 136 open to the perimeter is positioned adjacent to the peristaltic pump 138. In one embodiment of the present invention, it may be desirable to place a filter to filter large particles before air enters the first end 136 of the flexible tube. The filter may be in the form of a porous plug 154 capable of filtering particles larger than 0.22 micron.

The peristaltic pump can rotate in either direction and either draw air from the surroundings into the first end of the flexible tube or push air within the tube out of the tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention seen in FIG. 11, the tube 134 includes a first portion 140 and a second portion 142.
And consists of. The first part and the second part are connected to each other by a connector 144 that can be quickly removed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the tube is a very flexible tube molded of silicone or other material, with a minimal amount of force from the peristaltic pump,
Increases the accuracy of the pump in terms of precisely controlling the air flow rate through the tubing. The first and second parts of the tube are
If the first site wears out from use, it is coupled to each other with a quick disconnect device to allow replacement of the first site.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second portion of tube 142 may include a Y-shaped portion 146 or other joint. One leg of the joint 146 may be connected to the air vent 148 and is connected to the atmospheric pressure by the line 142.
Provides quick return of air pressure inside. This is extremely useful, for example, when it is desirable to change the pressure in the chamber 18 from a negative pressure to a positive pressure in order to transfer the fluid in the chamber into the receiving container 24. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the air vent means 148 comprises a conduit 150 having one end open to the perimeter. Solenoid valve 1
52 is attached to the perimeter open end to selectively open and close conduit 150 in response to a signal from the control means, as will be discussed more fully below. This feature is more clearly illustrated in FIG.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible tube 134 is a luer cone.
and a pressure device) to the pressure conduit 26. Other methods of connecting the flexible tube 134 to the pressure means based on the teachings herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device 10
May include first and second housings. The first housing 155 (Fig. 13) may house the control means, while the second housing 157 (Fig. 14).
May contain the pump means of the first closure device and its associated tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second housing is easily removable, replacing the first section 140 of the tube when needed.

G. The load cell device 10 also includes sensing means 20 for sensing the amount of fluid in the chamber 18 during operation of the device and for generating a weight signal relating to the amount of fluid in the chamber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensing means comprises a load cell in contact with the chamber. For details on the mechanical characteristics of the load cell,
This is more clearly shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Referring now to FIG. 16, the load cell 156 is the chamber support member 1
It is connected to 58. The chamber support member 158 accommodates the chamber 18. The load cell 156 detects the weight of the chamber,
A weight signal is generated that indicates the amount of fluid in the chamber. The load cell electronics will be discussed in more detail below in connection with the discussion of control means. These signals pass to the control means 32 via line 160.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG.
The load cell 156, as shown in FIG.
It is enclosed inside. As seen in FIG. 17, the chamber support member 158 extends outside the load cell housing. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 10
A chamber housing 164 is also provided to protect the chamber and the load cell from variations in the load cell readings due to laminar flow of air around the chamber. Chamber housing 1
64 also prevents interference from unnecessary contact with the chamber.
The chamber housing has a lower portion 166 mounted on the load cell housing 162. The lower portion 166 may be removed periodically to wash the housing. However, it is not necessary to remove the lower part of the housing to insert the chamber 18 into the chamber support member 158. The upper portion 164 of the chamber housing in the preferred embodiment is a hinged lid that attaches to the load cell housing 162.

H. Hanging System In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each individual source container 12 is held in place by a unique hanging system 168. Figure 1 shows the hanging system.
As seen in FIG. 9, it includes a pair of hooks 170,172. These hooks are held in parallel and spaced relationship to each other and provide a means for displacing and holding each source container 12. Each hook includes a first generally vertically extending portion 174 (FIG. 18) and a second generally vertically extending portion 176 extending from the lower end of the vertically extending portion. A pair of hooks 170,172
Are held in spaced relation to each other through the use of spacer bars 178 and adjustable spring means 180. The spring means 180 is vertically movable along the first vertical portion 174 of the hook and exerts downward pressure on each individual source container 12.
Since different source containers may have very different sizes, the spring means 180 provides a way to adjust to different size source containers, while still providing on each container. A constant pressure is applied to secure each source container 12 during operation of the device. 20 and 21
As can be seen in each spring means
It includes a hook 182. Each spring hook
The first generally semi-circular portion 184 includes a first generally semi-circular portion 184 in which the source container hooks 17.
Source container 12 when transposed over 0,172
Contact the bottom of. The spring hook 182 also
It includes a second generally rigid arm 186 extending between the semi-circular portion 184 and the twisting device 188. The twisting device is enclosed within a housing 190 located between the vertical portions 174 of each pair of hooks 170, 172 (FIG. 19).

Referring now to FIG. 21, the twisting device
A torsion spring 192 is included. The torsion spring is mounted on the shaft 194. The shaft is then connected to the shaft end cap 196 and held in a fixed relationship with the pin 108 on the shaft end cap. The assembled spring, shaft and shaft end cap are then inserted through the cylindrical housing 200. The housing includes keyway means 202 for receiving one end 204 of spring 192. The assembly, through the use of the first and second retainer bushings 206, 208,
Retained in the housing. One retainer bush 206 also includes a keyway 210 for receiving the second end 212 of the spring 192. Axis 194
Are integrally connected to the second shaft end cover portion 214.
Both the shaft and the lids 214 and 196 include a pair of hooks 17
0, 172 respectively include openings 216, 218 for receiving the first vertical portion 174. Prior to placing the assembly shown in FIG. 1 for a pair of hooks, at least one of the retainer bushings 206, 208 is rotated at least 180 degrees with respect to the other retainer bushing to create tension in the spring 192. Will. After the assembly shown in FIG. 21 is mounted on the pair of hooks 170 and 172, the spring 192
The keyways 202, 210 associated with create a constant downward pressure on the spring hook 182. An important feature of the device shown in FIGS. 18-21 is that the assembly shown in FIG. 21 slides on each vertical portion of a pair of hooks to accommodate source vessels of various sizes. It is possible to engage. The locking knob 220 can be used to lock the assembly shown in FIG. 21 in a fixed position with respect to the source container after the assembly has been mounted in position on the pair of hooks.

I. Occlusion Sensor System A system for positively detecting an obstruction by the first occlusion means is shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. By means of this system, the actual occluding force through the flexible fluid conduit / tube is sensed, eg, relative to the position of the occluding member.

As shown, a two-state switch system 700 is located within a door 702 cooperating with a frame 704. The hinged attachment of the door 702 is not shown, however, it is shown in FIG.
And can be seen from FIG. In the preferred embodiment, the door 702 is substantially rectangular in shape and has an interior 706. The top 708 and side 710 of the door 702 are preferably integrally molded, eg, by casting. The bottom plate 712 is housed in the bottom of the door 702 and is properly secured to surround the interior 706.

As shown, the bottom plate 712 includes an opening therein and houses a plunger assembly or rod 716. For this purpose, the lower portion 718a of the plunger housing 718 is housed within the bottom of the door 702 and projects from the bottom of the door 702 into the sensor gap 720 between the door 702 and the frame 704. Upper part 71 of plunger housing 718
8b is fixed to the lower portion 718a and also fixes the plunger or rod 722 between them.

In the preferred embodiment, a flexible shroud 724 is also secured within the opening so as to cover the protrusion of the plunger housing portion 718a.
The shroud 724 thus serves to protect the plunger assembly 716 from mud and corrosive wear. The shroud 724 is preferably made from a suitable flexible material such as latex.

The plunger 722 is allowed only limited axial movement within the plunger housing 718. To this end, the plunger 722 has a bore 7
26 and a counterbore 727 in the lower portion 718a of the plunger housing. The upper portion 718b of the plunger housing 718 includes a recess 728 that is properly aligned with the bore 726 and the counterbore 727 to provide a groove. Plunger 7
22 includes a radial flange 730 disposed along its length, which flange 730 is housed within counterbore 727. Eventually, the spring 732 will be concentrically arranged around the plunger 722 within the recess 728, and the spring 732 will move to the recess 72.
8 end wall 734 and flange 730. Thus, the plunger 722 can only move axially within the length that the flange 730 can move between the floor 727a of the counterbore 727 and the compressed spring 732 adjacent to the recess 734.

Plunger 722 has a shaft end 722 extending through an opening 734a in end wall 734 of wall 728.
and the arm portion of the reed switch 738,
It is configured to selectively engage the flakes or leads 736. The spring 732 contributes to biasing the plunger 722 from engagement with the arm 736. However, the axial end 7 opposite the plunger 722
Applying sufficient force to 22b overcomes the bias of spring 732 and causes plunger 722 to move to arm 73.
6 and thus the arms 736
To bend.

Arm 736 includes electrical contacts 740 secured thereto. End 722b of plunger 722
It is clear that applying sufficient force to will cause it to move axially into engagement with arm 736. The application of sufficient force causes the plunger 722 to move the arm 736, causing the cooperating contacts 740, 742 to separate, thus changing the state of the switch 738.

Switch 738 is preferably a switch that is normally closed when no force is applied to plunger 722. According to the preferred embodiment, application of sufficient force, such as a closing force, causes switch 738 to change to the open state.

As shown, one end of the upper portion 718b of the plunger housing 718 is secured to the stud 752 extending from the roof of the door 702 by means of bolts 754. Plunger housing 718
Upper portion 718b includes an opening for receiving bolt 754.

At the other end of the upper portion 718b of the housing 718, a small rising stud 756 to which a plate member 758 is fixed is provided. The plate member 758 is fixed to the stud 756 by means of a suitable bolt 760.

As shown, the plate member 758 carries thereon cooperating electrical contacts 742 of the switch 738. Fixed to the top side of plate member 758 is an arm 736 fixed by means of two rivets 762. The rivet 762 fixes one end of the arm portion 736 to the plate member 758. Electrical contact 740 is supported by the opposite end of arm 736. The arm portion 736 is electrically insulated and is supported by a method spaced apart from the plate member 758. The contact point 742 is the plate member 75.
8 part or fixed on it.

In FIG. 40, an embodiment of the first closure means is also shown. Cooperating with the sensor system 700 is a swing closure arm 780. Swivel closing arm 7
80 includes a protruding push member 782 that extends through an opening 784 in the plate member 704 to sandwich a flexible conduit / tube in the sensor gap 720. Opening 784 is covered by a suitable flexible member as previously described.

The spring 786 applies a force to the pressing member 782 so as to rotate the arm 780,
The swivel blocking arm 780 is permanently biased to the closed position, which is the first position. Solenoid 790a and plunger 790b
Plunger / solenoid assembly 790 including
Are used to overcome the bias of spring 786 by exerting a leverage force against arm 780, as described above.

The sensor system 700 is occluded until the force member 782 of the occlusion arm 780 provides and does not provide sufficient scissoring force via the flexible conduit / tube located within the sensor gap 720. It should be understood from the above and from the description of the first closure means given with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 that a state will not be registered. Therefore, the sensor system 700 is
It will clearly identify the blocked condition of the tube.

The sensor system 700 includes contacts 740,
Before the 742 separates, the plunger 722 is required to be moved axially by at least some distance, and a minimum closing force is required to overcome the bias of the spring 732, so that tubes of various sizes are required. Alternatively, a conduit could be used and the sensor system 7
00 will still detect the occlusion condition clearly when the bias of spring 732 is sufficient to occlude the tube. Specifically, the sensor system 700 includes a member 78.
2 pinches the tube wall and bends the tube, requiring member 782 to substantially engage plunger 722.

42-45, a closed condition detection system 800 for the second closing means is shown. The way in which the closing force of the second closing means acts is somewhat different from that of the first closing means, but the overall concept for detecting the closing force is similar.

As shown, the second closure means and system 800 is contained within a substantially cylindrical housing 802. Disposed within housing 802 is a solenoid 80 that cooperates with a plunger 804a used to cause obstruction of flexible conduit / tube 806.
Plunger / solenoid system 804 including 4b
Is. The spring 808 anvils the housing 810 supported on the plunger 804a.
Another plunger 814 biased toward the member 812 and located within the housing 810 causes the anvil member 812 to move.
Biased against. Thus, the anvil member 81
2 and a pipe 806 disposed between the plunger 814.
Are sandwiched and closed or occluded.

Plunger 814 is axially movable within axial bore 816 of housing 810 to a limited degree. Plunger 814 is counter bore 8
The wall of the counterbore 820, including a flange 818 that fits within 20, prevents unrestricted movement of the plunger 814. Snap ring 822 properly secured to the axial end of counterbore 820 is
Helps hold flange 818 within zero.

Further, the plunger 814 has a bore 816.
It is biased out of bore 816 by means of a properly positioned spring 824 that concentrically surrounds plunger 814 and engages the underside of flange 818. Thus, the spring 808
8 towards the anvil member 812 by means of
The bias of 10 is that the housing 810 is an anvil member 812.
Movement toward and thus causes the plunger 814 to engage the anvil member 812 and move axially with respect to the housing 810,
However, the plunger remains engaged with the anvil member 812 by means of the biasing exerted by the spring 820.

A shroud 826 made of a suitable flexible material.
Covers the end of the housing 810 to which the plunger 814 extends. The shroud 826 is provided on the plunger 8
14 and the interior of the housing 810 to help protect them from contamination.

Fixed within housing 810 is also a two-state switch assembly 830. The switch assembly 830 is properly positioned to cooperate with the plunger 814 in a manner similar to that of the first closure means switch assembly and plunger.

As shown, the switch assembly 830 is located adjacent the axial end of the plunger 814 opposite the anvil member 812. The switch assembly 830 includes one relatively fixed electrical contact 832 and one deflectable lamina, arm or lead 834, which is adapted to engage the electrical contact 832. It supports the other electrical contact 835 that can be pushed. When the plunger 814 is not biased with respect to the anvil member 812, the electrical contacts 832, 835 are normally separated from each other.

When the housing 810 is biased with respect to the anvil member 812 by the means of the spring 808, the plunger 814 is caused to move axially with respect to the housing 810 relative to the bias of its spring 824. After all, the electrical contact 835 is replaced with the electrical contact 832.
The plunger 814 travels a sufficient distance to engage the deflectable contact arm 834 in order to engage. Thus, in the closed condition, the electrical contacts 832, 835 will be electrically coupled. However, if the second closure means is commanded to open by the control means 32, the solenoid 804b of the solenoid / plunger assembly 804 will be energized, thereby biasing the housing 810 above the bias of the spring 808. Will be withdrawn. In turn, the spring 824 will be allowed to bias the plunger 814 out of the housing 810 as the housing 810 is no longer engaged with the anvil member 812. Thus, the plunger 814 is no longer engaged with the contact arms 834 and the electrical contacts 832, 835.
Separate.

As shown, the electrical contacts 832 are provided with a second flexible lamina, arm or lead 85.
Supported on 0. Arm 834 and arm 850 are provided by means of a pair of bolts 852 that extend through one end of the arm and into a suitable container such as a stud.
Jointly fixed. The arms 834, 850 are properly electrically insulated from each other.

The arm portion 850 is longer than the arm portion 834 and is biased toward the arm portion 834. However,
The bolt 854 engages the free end of the arm 850,
Adjusted to overcome the bias of arm 850 to separate electrical contacts 832,835.

Arm 850 is allowed to bend as plunger 814 engages arm 834 and causes electrical contact 835 to engage electrical contact 832. This means that the plunger 804a has the arm 834
Securely engages with the electrical contacts 832, 8
35, without applying excessive stress to the arm 850,
Allow them to engage one another.

It should be understood with respect to both occlusion sensor systems described above that the integral and intricate flexible conduit is sandwiched between two opposing surfaces. One opposing surface comprises the axial end surface of a plunger, such as plunger 722 or plunger 814. The plunger is operated to engage a contact member, such as a flexible arm that carries electrical contacts. By creating a sufficient pinch between the opposing faces, i.e., the closing force, the plunger moves axially to make electrical contact between the two electrical contact members (including electrical contacts), It works like shutting off. Thus making and breaking electrical contact is used to signal the presence of sufficient occlusion force.

Sensor system 7 of FIGS. 40 and 41
In FIG. 46, for the closure force member 902, to give a further idea as to how a plurality of closure force sensors, such as 00, are arranged and cooperate with respect to the first closure means of FIGS. 8 and 9. Plural plunger portions 900 of a sensor of the type described in Figure 1 are schematically illustrated.

8 and 9 as shown in FIG.
Immediately above each occluding force member 902 of the first occluding means is a plunger 900 of a suitable force sensor system, as described with respect to FIGS. 40 and 41, as described with respect to FIG. The tube guide 904 is such that the point 906 of the guide 904 has a gap 908 between adjacent force members 902.
Positioned with respect to the force member 902 and the plunger member 900 as positioned therein.

As shown, the tube guide 904 has a tube 910 between the cusps 906, such as the tube section 43 of FIG.
Is configured to house. As such, the tube guide 904 is designed to align each tube 910 between the force member 902 and its cooperating plunger member 900. However, as also shown, it is possible that one or more tubes 910 may become partially or completely unaligned.

If there is no tube between its plunger member 900 and force member 902, because the tube 910 is not so well aligned, the associated sensor will continuously unblock. Will record. Thus, the device 10 via the control means 32 can recognize this type of misalignment. If the tubes 910 are misaligned between the pointed head 906 and the plunger member 900 to the extent of being wedged, then the respective force member 902 is commanded to open. However, each sensor would record a permanently occluded condition. Thus, the device 10 via the control means 32 can confirm this misalignment and react appropriately.

The various reactions, responses, etc. guaranteed by the device 10 via the control means 32 in response to the misalignment can be imagined. Some examples are audible alarm sounds and misaligned visible instructions via appropriate displays.

Therefore, the occlusion sensor as illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41 not only contributes to confirming the occluded state of the flexible fluid pipe, but also to confirming the misalignment of the pipe. Thus, the sensor can serve more than one function.

Operation of the device A. Overview The operation of device 10 will be described in more detail in the following description. After the transfer set is installed in the device,
The operator then prepares to program the device to indicate the amount and type of each fluid to be transferred from each individual source container into the receiving container. The information is
It can be input into the device from one of two sources. One of the sources for entering information into the device is the keyboard input device shown in FIG. Another way to enter information into the device is via a computer terminal.
The method of entering information into a device using a keyboard display will be more fully described below. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the description provided below, a very similar system would be used to enter information into the device using a personal computer.

B. Start-up (Power-up: Power
Up) -Master Microprocessor (Master)
r Microprocessor) A system of internal checks is automatically achieved by the control means 32 when the device is switched on. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two microprocessors are used in the control means 32. While various microprocessors can be used, in one embodiment of the invention, an Intel 8031 microprocessor can be used for both microprocessors. One microprocessor acts as the master microprocessor, the other microprocessor
Acts as a pump control microprocessor. A simplified block diagram of a typical microprocessor is shown in FIG.
3 is shown. As seen in this figure, a typical microprocessor has an internal random access memory (RAM) 222 and multiple in / out (I / O).
Includes port 224. Microprocessor
It contains various hardware registers that can be programmed to achieve specific functions. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, special function hardware
Register 226 is a serial interface register 228, timer / counter 230 and stack
A pointer 232 may be included. Each of these aspects of a microprocessor as used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, in addition to the internal features of a typical microprocessor as briefly described above, additional external hardware resides within a typical microprocessor controller. For example,
External RAM 234, external in / out port 236 and programmable memory (ROM) 238 are required to allow the microprocessor to perform the desired functions in accordance with the present invention.

Start-up of device 10 (power-up: po
various diagnostics and other tests during the
Achieved at the same time. These diagnoses are shown in the block diagram of FIG. Diagnosis is by testing the internal RAM 222 of each microprocessor shown by block 240, testing the external RAM 234 of each microprocessor shown by block 242,
Initializing internal RAM 222 and external RAM 234, as indicated by block 244, block 24
All in / out ports 224 indicated by 6
And special function hardware 226 located within the microprocessor (ie, providing a port 228 for communication purposes, timer / counter 2 for each microprocessor).
Initializing 30; initializing the stack pointer to hold the track of the program routine. )including.

C. Keyboard Programming Mode In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control means 32 does not automatically enter the keyboard programming mode after initialization processing and diagnostics have been accomplished. The keyboard programming mode is a mode in which an operator can enter information into the device and cause the device to move a certain amount of fluid from a particular individual source container into the receiving container. 22 shows a display panel for a keyboard input device used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 shows a display panel for displaying volume and specific gravity information for each source container. The display panel is
As shown by LCD display panel (liquid crystal display panel) 250, it displays the specific gravity as programmed by the operator for the particular source container. The volume of fluid to be transferred from a particular source container to the receiving container, as programmed by the operator, is indicated by another LCD display 252. Each individual source container
Independent LCD display panels 250, 252 to display specific gravity and volume information for each individual source container
have.

FIG. 27 is a drawing of a display panel for displaying the state of the device during operation. Each of the representations shown in this figure will be discussed briefly herein and in more detail below in connection with the actual operation of the device. The display panel 254 displays the patient ID number specified for each patient. This patient ID number can be input via the keyboard input device or computer terminal.
Can be entered in the device. The unique ID number for each container can be displayed in the bag ID display panel, shown at 256 in FIG. The “total travel” display 258 can be used to display various types of information. For example, in the keyboard programming mode, the "total travel" display shows the weight as detected by the load cell 20 in grams. While the device is actually pumping, the "total displacement" display will display any fluid transferred from the individual source vessels in milliliter volumes.
Circular “g” display 2 adjacent to “total movement” display 258
60 lights up during the keyboard input mode,
The information displayed in the "total displacement" display will indicate that it is in grams. Similarly, the "ml" display 262 will light up during pump operation of the device to indicate that the information displayed in the "total displacement" display is milliliters.

Other status indications are: 2. "No spill" indicator 264 indicating that no fluid is spilled during operation of the device. 2. A "door" indicator 266 indicating that the door is improperly closed during operation of the device. 3. “No set” indication 268 to indicate that the set is not present during operation of the device or is improperly placed in the device. 4. "Device" display 270 displaying various device fault conditions. "Power" display 2 to display when the device receives power
72 and a "done" indicator 274 for displaying when the pump operation is complete.

The operator commands will be discussed in more detail below, along with the internal functions performed by the controller in response to the operator commands. The master microprocessor operates as follows during the keyboard programming mode. First, block 2 in FIG.
As indicated by 75, the microprocessor
On the display panel shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, 0.
A current status display is generated every 5 seconds. Next, as shown by block 277 in FIG. 25, the display for individual source containers, such as the display 250, 252 for source container number 1 in FIG. Is flashed to indicate to the operator that the can now be programmed. The "Run" LED (Light Emitting Diode) will also be illuminated. It will be clear to the operator which particular container is currently programmed, as only one set of displays will be flashed and one "Run" LED will be illuminated.

The programmer could then use the keyboard illustrated in FIG. 22 to program the amount of fluid to be transferred from a particular source container to the receiving container. The programmer may enter either the volume or the specific gravity of the fluid to be moved. Typically, in the initial setup of the device, the specific gravity for each source container will be first programmed by the operator.

To enter information about the specific gravity of a particular source container into the device, the operator simply presses the specific gravity key 276 shown in FIG. This causes the keyboard programming mode to retain weight for future information to be entered in the programmed registers. The programmer may then press any one or more of the numeric keys 278 as displayed in FIG. 22 and enter the "enter key" 280 to enter the information into the register discussed above. You can press.

If the programmer wishes to prevent the transfer of fluid from a particular source container, and if the volume information had been previously entered into the display panel 252, this information would simply be "clear". )·Key"
It can be cleared by pressing 282.
The operator may then enter the next source container display by pressing the "Enter key" 280. The operator may continue to press the "Enter key" 280 until the display for the desired source container display begins to flash. When the desired source container indicator is reached, the operator then enters information into the device for that particular source container in the same manner as described above for source container number 1. Good. After the operator has completed entering information into the device for all source containers, then the operator:
You may press the start key 284. If the start key is pressed, keyboard programming mode begins a pump control routine as indicated by block 286 in FIG. If the "Start" key is not pressed, the operator may press the "A ID" key 28
If either the 8 or the "M ID" key 290 is not pressed, the device is held in keyboard programming mode. The "A ID" key causes the device to exit keyboard programming mode and is controlled by a remote computer terminal in an automatic identification programming mode (automatic identification programming mode).
tification programming mode
e) Enter. The "M ID" key also causes the device to exit the keyboard programming mode and allows a manual verification programming mode (manual identification programming mode: manual).
l identificatio program
ng mode) and this manual verification programming mode is also controlled from the remote computer terminal.

D. Pump Control Routine As described above, if the operator presses the start key, the device will enter a "pump control" routine. This routine is described in FIGS. 28 (a) and 28 (b).
As seen in the figure, first the device will display a "ml" indicator 26.
2 is turned on, and "g" is displayed 260
It works to turn off the light. This operation is shown in Figure 2.
8 in block 292. The device is then operated by the operator in a pump operating mode (pumping mode: pump).
The keyboard is constantly monitored to determine if any key on the pad was pressed during the ping mode). This is indicated by block 294 in FIG. This monitor function is described in more detail in FIG. If the operator presses the stop key 296 (FIG. 22), the pump control routine automatically aborts the pump control routine program, as shown in block 298 (FIG. 28).

If the stop key is not pressed, the next function performed by the pump control routine is to set the state of the pump control microprocessor to determine if it is waiting to receive data. To inspect. If the pump control microprocessor is ready to receive data, the master microprocessor will be given the volume and specific gravity information entered into the device during the keyboard input mode and will be assigned to each individual source container. Calculate the weight of the fluid to be transferred from to the receiving container. This calculation is based on "High Speed Large Volume Mixer (High Speed)" issued on April 30, 1985.
This is essentially the same as the calculation described in US Pat. No. 4,513,796 entitled "D Bulk Compounder". This application is hereby incorporated by reference. The pump control routine uses any information entered by the operator to
Check to see if it exceeds a predetermined range. For example, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the specific gravity tolerance range is between about 0.5 and 3.0. For example, the minimum volume to be transferred should be at least 1 milliliter in the preferred embodiment of the invention. If any of the information is determined to be outside these ranges, the pump control means will notify the operator by flashing the out-of-range display 250 or display 252. This is indicated by block 302 in FIG.

After the out-of-range check is performed, if all the information entered into the device by the operator is within range, it is calculated by the program memory 238 and stored in its external RAM 236. Pump operating data is external I / O of the master microprocessor.
Transferred to the pumping microprocessor external I / O port 304 via port 236. This information is then stored in the external RAM 30 of the pumping microprocessor.
0 for later use by the program memory 306 of the pumping microprocessor. The transfer of this information is indicated by block 308 in FIG.

After the information has been transferred to external RAM 300, the pump control routine then repeats the keyboard monitor function discussed above with respect to block 294. The master microprocessor remains in this mode until it receives a signal from the pump actuation microprocessor that the pump control microprocessor has started pump actuation. This is indicated by decision diamond 310 in FIG. If the pump control module initiates pump operation, the master microprocessor initiates a monitor pump operation routine as indicated by block 312 in FIG.

E. Keyboard Logic Routine Before discussing the monitor pump actuation routine in more detail, block 294 and block 294 of FIG.
The keyboard logic routine illustrated by (a) will be considered in more detail. The keyboard logic routine is shown by the flow charts of FIGS. As seen in the flow chart, the first instruction executed in the routine is to decode any keys that may have been pressed. This is indicated by block 314 in the figure. If the key was pressed as indicated by decision diamond 316, the next instruction is to determine if it is a function key, as indicated by decision diamond 318. . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the following keys are designed as function keys, which are (1) Clear (CL
R), (2) decimal point, (3) enter (EN
T), (4) Enter / Rinse (ENT / RIN),
(5) Cancellation (recall) (RCL),
(6) Start (START) and (7) Stop (STOP). If any of the above keys are pressed, the program logic will operate to perform the proper function (such as clearing the specified display). This instruction is indicated by block 320 in FIG.
The program logic then exits the keyboard logic routine to enter the proper routine depending on which function key was pressed and what information was originally entered into the device by the operator. For example, the program logic may be in one of the following modes: (1) keyboard programming mode, (2) pump control routine, (3) automatic confirmation mode, (4) There is a manual confirmation mode. Only if the start or stop key is pressed will the program logic enter an automatic or manual verification routine.

If the function key has not been pressed, as determined by decision diamond 318, the next command is to determine if pump operation is in progress. This is indicated by decision diamond 322 in FIG. If pump actuation is in progress, any other key input made by the operator will be ignored during pump actuation and the keyboard logic routine will exit and the system logic will control the pump from where it exited. Will return to a position in the routine. This is block 3 in FIG.
It is indicated by 24.

If the device is not currently pumping fluid, then the keyboard logic routine does the next check to see if the mode key has been pressed. This is indicated by the discriminant diamond 326. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the following keys are designed as mode keys, which are: (1) auto zero (AUT).
O ZERO), (2) Automatic span (SPAN),
(3) A ID, (4) MID, (6) Standard (STD)
And (7) there is confirmation. If any of the mode keys are pressed, the proper function will be performed and the program logic will exit the keyboard logic routine to the device and enter the keyboard programming mode, automatic verification mode or manual verification. Have them enter one of the modes. This is indicated by block 328 in FIG.

If the mode key was not pressed, the next instruction is to determine if the "completion routine" is being executed. This test is indicated by decision diamond 330 in FIG. The "completion routine" is
It is simply a routine executed by the master microprocessor after pump operation has been completed by the pump operation microprocessor. In this routine, the master microprocessor is waiting for a signal from the pump actuation microprocessor that pump actuation is complete. As soon as it receives this signal, the master microprocessor displays a "done" indication 274 (Fig. 7).
Is turned on so that the program logic waits for an additional command from the operator. If the completion routine exits as shown by decision diamond 330 in FIG. 29, the keyboard logic routine causes the master microprocessor to exit the keyboard logic routine and the completion as indicated by block 332 in FIG. Would enter the routine, which would
Ignore any keyboard input made by the operator with respect to specific gravity or numeric keys.

If the completion routine is not executed,
The next instruction executed by the keyboard logic routine is to determine whether the operator has pressed a "parameter key". In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, volume key 280 and specific gravity key 276, respectively, are designated as "parameter keys." If either of these keys is pressed, the keyboard logic routine will be returned to the master microprocessor.
Will cause the master microprocessor to perform the proper function indicated by either of these keys, as indicated by block 334 of FIG. -I will try to go to the routine.

The next instruction executed by the keyboard logic routine is to determine if a numeric key has been pressed. If so, the appropriate function is performed and the microprocessor exits to either a keyboard programming routine or a manual verification routine, as shown in block 348. This is indicated by block 350.

F. Pump Monitor Routine The next routine described in more detail is the pump monitor routine shown at block 312 in FIG.

A more detailed description of this block is given in FIG.
Provided in. The pump monitor routine
A routine executed by the master microprocessor based on information received by the master microprocessor from the pumping microprocessor. Figure 3
As seen at 0, the first function performed during the pump monitor routine is to refresh every display on the device every 0.5 seconds. This is block 352
Indicated by. The pump monitor routine then monitors the keyboard, as indicated by block 354. This function is performed by block 29 in FIG.
4 and block 294 (a) and illustrated by the flow chart of FIG. 29 and is the same function performed during the pump control routine. The next instruction executed by the pump monitor routine is to check to see if the stop key was pressed by the operator. This test is indicated by decision diamond 356 in FIG. When any key is pressed, the pump monitor routine will block 354.
It should be noted that from will enter the keyboard logic routine. If the keyboard logic routine determines that the stop key has been pressed, it exits the keyboard logic routine and the pump monitor
Will return to the routine. The check shown by decision diamond 356 determines if the stop key has been pressed. If so, the pump monitor routine will cause the microprocessor to exit the pump monitor routine and go to the position specified by reference numeral 358 in the pump control routine. This is indicated by the elliptical exit in FIG.

Judgment of pump monitor routine Rhombus 3
Referring to 56, if the stop key was not pressed, the next function performed by the pump monitor routine is to determine if an alarm condition exists. This is indicated by block 362 in FIG.

If an alarm condition exists, the pump
The monitor routine program logic will cause the master microprocessor to exit the pump monitor routine and enter an alert routine as indicated by the elliptical exit at 364.

If no alarm condition exists, the next function performed by the pump monitor routine is:
To update the weight transferred for the stations pumped and to update the total volume pumped in the total volume display. These functions are indicated by block 366. After the update function has occurred, the next instruction is to determine if all stations have been pumped. This is indicated by block 368 in FIG.

If not all stations have been pumped, the program logic is pump monitor
Routine is labeled 37 in the pump monitor routine
Return to the position specified by 0.

If all stations have been pumped, the pump monitor routine will cause the master microprocessor to issue position 358 of the pump control routine in FIG.

The next function performed in the pump control routine is to see if the stop key was pressed.
Check again. This is the judgment diamond 3 in FIG.
Denoted by 71.

G. Completion Routine If the Stop key is pressed, the Pump Control routine will exit to the Keyboard Programming routine. If the stop key was not pressed, then the pump control routine will cause the master microprocessor to begin the completion routine. this is,
It is indicated by block 372 in FIG. The completion routine is also shown in more detail in FIG. The first function performed by the completion routine is the completion LE.
D274 (FIG. 27) is turned on. This function is indicated by block 374 in FIG. next,
All displays are refreshed every 0.5 seconds. This is indicated by block 376. The keyboard is then monitored, as indicated by block 378. The keyboard monitor function is the same as the routine discussed above and shown in FIG.

Then, the completion routine is "A ID",
Check to see if the "M ID" or standard key was pressed by the operator. This is a judgment diamond 3
Denoted by 80. If any of these keys are pressed, the completion routine will cause the master microprocessor to enter the proper routine associated with that particular key via the master control routine.

If the "A ID", "M ID", standard or stop key was not pressed, the next function performed by the completion routine is to determine whether the start key has been pressed by the operator. It is to decide. This is indicated by decision diamond 382. If the start key was not pressed, the completion routine returns to the position designated by reference numeral 384 in FIG. If the start key is pressed, the completion routine will
While turning off the "Complete" LED 274 (Fig. 27),
Operate to turn on "g" LED 260. The master microprocessor then exits the completion routine.

H. Pump Operating Microprocessor All control logic discussed above is implemented by the master microprocessor in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The functionality of the pump actuation microprocessor will now be discussed in more detail. The three main functions performed by the pump actuation microprocessor are (1) control of the pump actuation of the peristaltic pump, (2) processing of the signal generated by the load cell and (3) control of the closure means. When the device is first powered on by the operator, the pump actuation microprocessor proceeds through an initialization process that is very similar to the initialization process discussed above with respect to FIG.

I. Hold Routine After the initialization process is complete, the pump actuation microprocessor automatically advances into the Hold Routine detailed by the flowchart of FIG. As can be seen, the first instruction executed by the hold routine is the external RAM of the pump actuation microprocessor.
Clear any pump operating data that may be present in the buffer in 300. This instruction is indicated by block 382 in FIG.

After this instruction is completed, the next function performed by the hold routine is to send a signal to the motor 105 of the first closure means 28 of FIG. The signal causes the motor to advance the solenoid 108 to the "home position". In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the "home position" is the position where the solenoid is immediately adjacent to the closed arm 90 proximate the motor 105. However, the “home position” may be located elsewhere on the drive screw 102. The purpose of having a "home position" allows the microprocessor to send future signals to the motor 105, advancing the solenoid from the board to another designated position, or "home position". The command to send the solenoid to its "home position" is indicated by block 384 in FIG.

The next function performed by the pump actuation microprocessor during the hold routine after the solenoid has been placed in its "home position" is to have the master microprocessor send new pump actuation data to the pump actuation microprocessor. Notify the master microprocessor that it is okay. This function is indicated by block 386 in FIG. As will be recalled, during the pump control routine discussed above with respect to FIG.
The master microprocessor will not send pump actuation data to the pump actuation control microprocessor until the microprocessor receives a signal indicating that the pump actuation microprocessor is ready to receive data. The pump actuation data is then sent by the master microprocessor to the pump actuation microprocessor, as indicated by block 308 in FIG.

The next function performed by the hold routine, after the pump actuation microprocessor notifies the master microprocessor that the master microprocessor may send new pump actuation data, is the next function performed by the operator. To perform a check to see if the "stop key" was pressed. This test is indicated by decision diamond 388 in FIG.

If the stop key is pressed, the pump run microprocessor will automatically exit the hold routine and reset the pump run microprocessor. In other words, the pumping microprocessor will return to an initialization routine essentially the same as the initialization routine executed by the master microprocessor when power is first applied to the microprocessor. The exit routine is indicated by the exit ellipse 390 in FIG.

If the Stop key was not pressed, the next function performed by the Hold routine is to perform a check to see if the "Auto Zero" key 392 (Fig. 22) was pressed. That is. The purpose of the "auto zero" key is for the operator to display the display panel 25 shown in FIG.
It is to inform the pump actuation microprocessor that it has requested that the total weight shown at 8 be set to zero. This can be done, for example, when the room is empty, display 2
It can be used to give a reading of zero, rather than giving 58 a reading indicating the weight of the chamber. Therefore, if the "Auto Zero" key 392 is pressed, as indicated by the diamond 394, the hold program will change the value of the empty chamber from the value displayed in the display panel 258 of FIG. Perform a tare load routine to reduce weight. This function is indicated by block 396 in FIG.

The next function performed by the hold routine is to get a new weight reading from the load cell. This function is indicated by block 398 in FIG. In order to more fully understand how this function is performed, the electronics used to generate the signal from the load cell will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the electronics associated with the load cell of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Refer to.

J. Load Cell As seen in FIG. 33, the load cell 400 is adjusted D
The power is turned on by the C (direct current) power supply 402. As discussed above, since the chamber is hung from the load cell bracket, the load cell 400 produces an analog signal indicative of the weight of both the chamber and any fluid contained within the chamber. The load cell in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a shear-beam type based on a resistance strain gauge technology.
m type) load cell. The weight value is converted to a DC signal voltage by the load cell. These voltages or signals are supplied to the linear amplifier 404. The signal generated by load cell 400 is a relatively low level signal that needs to be amplified before being transmitted to the analog-to-digital converter. The linear amplifier 404 is a commercially completed integrated circuit that has a low noise, low drift instrumentation.
an amplifier. This instrumentation amplifier outputs low level signal from load cell
It provides the amount of amplification needed to bring it to the proper level for input into the A / D converter. The signal from amplifier 404 is then passed through low pass filter 4
Passed through 06. This filter is a semiconductor,
Helps to dampen noise components generated by seismic effects and mechanical resonance of the load cell. The signal is then passed from the low pass filter 406 to a "span trim and zero" stage 408. The span adjust function of this stage is used to set the total load cell amplifier gain (span) to the required millivolt / gram required at the input to A / D converter 410. The zero adjustment function ensures a unipolar signal input voltage to the A / D converter configured in unipolar mode. The signal is passed from the span adjustment and zero adjustment stages to an additional low pass filter 412. The function of low pass filter 412 is essentially the same as the function of filter 406.
Then, the signal is transmitted via the line 412 to the A / D converter 41.
Pass to 0.

K. The A / D converter then signals the incoming signal from the low pass filter 412 via line 413 to the A / D converter 410.
Is passed to a sample / hold 418 which is periodically fixed at a stable value for conversion by The A / D conversion process is performed by the clock oscillator 414, the sample pulse timer 416.
And a peripheral circuit including a pulse generator 336 and A
It is executed by the / D converter 410. A / D converter 4
10 converts the amplitude value of the signal from sample / hold 418 into an equivalent 14-bit binary coded output signal. This signal is a data bus line 43
I / O port 3 of the pumping microprocessor through gate 420 and gate 422 which sequentially locate the high data byte on 0 and then the low data byte.
04 is transmitted. The information is then transmitted to a status buffer within the internal RAM 450 of the pumping microprocessor. Gate 420 and gate 422 transmit data to the microprocessor after the microprocessor detects the end of the conversion signal transmitted from multiplexing gate 434 via line 432. After the low data byte has been transmitted, the A / D conversion cycle is complete and begins again with the arrival of the next pulse in pulse generator 436.

L. Hold Routine-Continued The next function accomplished by the pump actuation microprocessor after the updated weight has been received from the load cell, as indicated by block 398 in FIG.
Updating the master microprocessor internal RAM 222 with the weight signal contained in the pump operating microprocessor internal RAM 45. This update process is 4/10 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
It occurs every second. Therefore, the information displayed on the display panel 258 is constantly updated during the hold routine.

After the weight information is sent to the master microprocessor, as shown by block 452 in FIG. 32, the next function performed by the pump actuation microprocessor during the hold routine is the pump actuation microprocessor. Is to perform a check to see if it is still waiting for new pump operating data. This test is indicated by decision diamond 454. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the operator presses the start button 284 (FIG. 22), only the master microprocessor sends data to the pump actuation microprocessor. When the start button is pressed, this means that the operator has completed entering pump activation information for the particular patient. As soon as this information is entered and the start button is pressed, the master microprocessor sends this information to the pump-acting microprocessor until it confirms that valid data has been sent to the pump-operating microprocessor. Keep sending. As soon as the pump operating microprocessor has confirmed that valid data has been received from the master microprocessor, the pump operating microprocessor exits the hold routine of FIG. 32 and will be discussed in more detail below. Return to routine.

M. Pump Run Routine The control routine will then cause the pump run microprocessor to enter a pump run routine that will be discussed in more detail in FIG. Block 4 of the figure
As seen at 56, the first function performed by the pump actuation routine is the chamber 18 when it is empty.
Is to obtain the “tare weight”. The tare weight is simply the weight of the empty chamber. After this information is obtained, the tare weight is calculated in the pump operating microprocessor's internal RAM 450.
Are stored in the internal buffer.

The next function performed by the pumping routine is to obtain the weight pumped from the first (or next) available source container. This function is indicated by block 458 in FIG. As discussed above, the weight information is stored in the microprocessor's internal RAM 450 during the pump run routine.
It is stored in the external RAM 300 of the pump actuation microprocessor until it is transferred to an internal buffer.

After this information has been transmitted, the next function performed by the pump activation routine is to perform a test to see if any fluid is being pumped from the source container. This test is indicated by the broken diamond 460 in FIG.

If additional pumping is required, the next instruction executed by the function routine is to perform a test to see if the amount that needs to be pumped is less than 50 milliliters. is there.
This check is indicated by block 462 in FIG. If more than 50 milliliters should be pumped from the source container, the intermediate chamber should pump an integer multiple of 50 milliliters closest to the total volume of fluid to be pumped from a single source container. It is satisfied an integral number of times as required. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this instruction is executed because the maximum volume of the chamber is 50 ml. This function is indicated by block 464 in FIG.

If less than 50 ml is pumped, or after the nearest integer multiple has been pumped in the order discussed above, the next function performed by the pump activation routine is to determine the specific source container. Fill the chamber with the remaining weight to be pumped from. This function is indicated by block 468 in FIG. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the minimum weight of fluid to be pumped may be as small as 1 ml. However, in other embodiments of the invention,
It may be possible to pump up volumes as small as 0.5 ml. Block 464 and block 468 of FIG.
The fill function illustrated by will be discussed in further detail below in connection with FIG.

The next function performed by the pump actuation routine is to drain the intermediate chamber, if appropriate. This functionality is illustrated by block 470 and will be discussed in further detail in connection with FIG.

The next function performed by the pump actuation routine is to perform a rinse operation. This functionality is illustrated by block 472 in FIG. 34 and is discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG.

After rinsing the chamber (if necessary), the next function performed by the pump activation routine is to base the master microprocessor on the information from the load cell obtained during the pumping or rinsing operation. Is to update the pump operating status for. This function is indicated by block 474 in FIG.

The Pump Run routine then performs a check to see if the fluid from all required source vessels has been pumped. This test is indicated by decision diamond 476 in FIG. If fluid has not yet been pumped from all the required source containers for the particular patient, the pump actuation routine returns to the position designated by reference numeral 478 in FIG. Get the pumped weight for the container. If all the required fluid has been pumped, then the pumping routine exits to the master control routine, as indicated by the exit ellipse 480 in FIG.

N. Fill Routine Pump Run Routine Blocks 464 and 4
The exact mechanism and procedure by which the fluid is actually pumped from the source container into the chamber by the control means as shown by 68 will now be discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. As can be seen, the first function performed during the “filling routine” of FIG. 35 is that the chamber is a large number of sources from a single source container adjacent the biasing means 106 of the first closure means 28. It is to perform a check to see if it has been met twice. This inspection is shown in FIG.
Is shown by the diamond rhombus 481. If the biasing means is not adjacent to the proper closure arm 94, the proper source container, the pumping microprocessor signals the motor 105 to advance the carriage 104 to the proper source container. Bias overriding means 106 is disposed adjacent to the twelve suitable closed arm portions 90. This feature
It is indicated by block 482.

The next function performed by the fill routine is to obtain the tare weight from the chamber load cell. This function is indicated by block 484 in FIG.

The next function performed by the fill chamber routine is to stabilize the chamber to atmospheric pressure. This function is indicated by block 485. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the solenoid valve 15 of FIG.
By opening 2 and allowing the pressure conduit, line 128, to suddenly reach atmospheric pressure, the chamber can be quickly brought to atmospheric pressure. This, in turn, causes the pressure in the chamber to reach atmospheric pressure.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the next function performed by the fill chamber routine is to check to see if the weight pumped is less than 6.0 grams. This test is illustrated by decision diamond 486. If the pumped weight is 6.
If less than 0 grams, the control means sends a signal to the peristaltic pump to cause the pump to rotate in a first direction to create a vacuum in the chamber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, if the weight pumped is less than 6.0 grams, the control means causes the peristaltic pump to operate at one third of its rated speed. This function is indicated by block 488 in FIG.

If the weight to be transferred is less than 6.0 grams, the next function performed by the fill chamber routine is to check to see if the weight to be pumped is less than 11.0 grams. Is to do. This test is indicated by decision diamond 490 in FIG. If the weight pumped is between 6.0 grams and 11.0 grams, the control means sends a signal to the peristaltic pump to rotate the pump in the first direction,
Try to create a vacuum in the room. However, in this case, the signal causes the pump to rotate at two-thirds of its rated speed. This function is performed by block 492 in FIG.
Indicated by.

The next function performed by the fill chamber routine is to send a signal to the peristaltic pump to rotate in the first direction at full speed if the weight to be transferred is greater than 11.0 grams. Is. This function is indicated by block 494 in FIG.

By this time in the fill chamber routine, the first obstruction means has been biased so that all individual conduit lines are obstructed so that fluid is not actually being pumped into the chamber. But you should be distracted.
The next function performed by the fill chamber routine is to signal the solenoid 108 of the first occluding means to move the rod 110 of the solenoid 108 to the extended position, thereby causing the occluding arm 90 to its associated position. The individual fluid conduits 16 to allow the fluid to flow out of the appropriate source container into the chamber. The command to open the proper supply valve is indicated by block 496 in FIG.

The next function performed by the fill routine is to cause the peristaltic pump to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw fluid from the single source container into the chamber to meet the desired weight of the chamber. That is. As fluid is drawn into the chamber, the load cell is constantly producing an analog signal that is sent to the A / D converter to create a digital signal, which is then transmitted to the pumping microprocessor. This function is indicated by block 498.

When the signal from the load cell indicates that the desired amount of fluid has been moved to the chamber, the next function performed by the fill chamber routine is to stop the peristaltic pump and de-energize solenoid 108. To prevent further fluid outflow. This function is indicated by block 500.

The next function performed by the fill routine is to stabilize the chamber again at atmospheric pressure. This function is indicated by block 502 and block 4
It is essentially identical to the function discussed above with respect to 85. The pump run microprocessor then exits the fill routine and returns to the pump run routine at the location designated 504 in FIG.

O. Drain Routine The drain routine discussed above with respect to block 470 of FIG. 34 will now be discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. The drain routine is simply a series of tests to determine if the chamber needs to be drained. The first check performed by the drain routine is to determine if the last source container has been pumped. This inspection is performed by the judgment diamond 5 in FIG.
It is indicated by 06. If the last source container has not been pumped, the drain routine then checks to see if a rinse follows the just pumped source container. This test is indicated by decision diamond 508. Rinsing is usually not done if the next fluid to be pumped is not incompatible with the preceding fluid, or if the previously pumped fluid is the last fluid to be pumped. Ah The next function performed by the drain chamber routine is to determine if the next source container to be pumped is to follow the rinse. This is indicated by decision diamond 510.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, if the next source container is followed by a rinse, then the draining operation will occur before filling the chamber with the fluid.

The next test performed by the drain chamber routine is to determine if multiple fills of 50 ml are occurring in the intermediate chamber. This is indicated by decision diamond 512. The next test performed by the drain chamber routine is to determine if all of the remaining source containers contain fluid that is not required to be pumped into the chamber for the particular patient. This test is indicated by decision diamond 514.

The final check performed by the drain chamber routine is to determine if the current volume of the intermediate chamber and the volume to be pumped from the next source container is less than 50 ml. This is indicated by decision diamond 516. If the volume in the room and the volume to be pumped from the next source container is less than 50 ml,
The pump actuation microprocessor is designated 518 in FIG.
Will return to the pump run routine at the specified position. This may allow the pumping routine to have the next fluid pumped into the chamber prior to draining the chamber. For all tests performed by the drain chamber routines discussed above, if any test is positive, the pump actuation microprocessor causes the second closure means to open the fluid outlet conduit 22. And allow the fluid in the chamber to drain into the receiving container.

This device is unique in that the peristaltic pump operates in the opposite direction during the discharge operation to produce a positive pressure in the chamber to force fluid out of the chamber.
After any necessary evacuation operation has occurred, as indicated by the evacuation chamber routine, the pump actuation microprocessor exits the evacuation routine and returns to the pump actuation routine at the position designated by 518 in FIG.

R. Rinsing Operation As discussed above, the next function performed by the pump actuation routine is to perform a rinsing operation as illustrated by block 472 of FIG. This operation will now be discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. As seen in FIG. 37, the first function performed during the rinse operation is to determine if the chamber needs to be rinsed after fluid has been removed from a particular source container. To carry out an inspection. The operator of the device may indicate that a rinse is needed as the information is entered into the device.
For example, as described above, if the information is entered via the keyboard, then the operator may enter "ENT RIN" for the particular source container.
Simply press the "Rinse input)" key (Fig. 22). If the information is entered into the device via a computer terminal, then another means is that the particular source container requires rinsing after the fluid has been removed from the source container. Will be used to display. In any case, if rinsing is necessary, then a rinse display 222 (FIG. 26).
Will indicate that rinsing is required after the fluid from that particular source container has been transferred to the chamber.

If a rinse is required, the next function performed by the pump actuation microprocessor during the rinse routine, as illustrated by FIG. 37, is to stabilize the chamber to atmospheric pressure. This function is indicated by block 524. The chamber is block 4 in FIG.
Stabilized to atmospheric pressure using the technique discussed above for 85. The pump actuation microprocessor then signals the peristaltic pump 105 to rotate the peristaltic pump at full speed in the first direction to create a vacuum in the chamber. This function is indicated by block 526. The pump actuation microprocessor then signals the second closure means to energize its associated solenoid valve, thereby creating an open fluid communication between the chamber and the containment vessel. This function is indicated by block 528. The vacuum in the chamber causes the fluid in the container to be drawn into the chamber, rinsing the chamber.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rinse routine causes the containment vessel to completely fill the chamber as the chamber weight is constantly monitored by the load cell. This function is indicated by block 530. After the load cell indicates that the chamber is full, the next function performed by the pumping microprocessor during the rinse routine is to stabilize the chamber back to atmospheric pressure. This function is indicated by block 532.

The next function performed by the rinse routine is to create a positive pressure in the chamber using the technique described above to bring the rinse fluid in the chamber back into the receiving container. This is indicated by block 534. After the chamber is evacuated, the pump actuation microprocessor returns to the pump actuation routine at the position designated by reference numeral 536 in FIG.

Q. Control Routines-Pump Actuating Microprocessor All of the routines discussed above are controlled by a set of master control routines. Each microprocessor has its own master control routine to direct each microprocessor to the proper routine during operation of the device. The master control routine for the pump actuation microprocessor will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. As can be seen, the first function performed by the control routine is to initialize the pump actuation microprocessor. This function is indicated by block 340.

The next function performed by the control routine for the pump actuation microprocessor is to determine if any alarms have been issued. This is indicated by decision diamond 346. If no alarms have been raised, the next function performed is
Entering the pump actuation routine discussed above with respect to FIG. 34. This function is indicated by block 348 in FIG. Then, the control routine makes a decision diamond 3
Check again to see if an alarm was issued, as indicated by 50. If no alarm was generated, then the control routine causes the pump activation microprocessor to enter the completion routine. The completion routine is a routine that is simply executed after the pump operation is completed. The completion routine causes the solenoid of the first closure device to be sent to its "home position". The completion routine also causes the pump actuation microprocessor to continue to read and filter information from the load cell.

The control routine for the pump actuation microprocessor is then to check again to see if any alarms have been raised, as indicated by decision diamond 354. If no alarm sounds, the entire control routine is repeated.

If an alarm occurs at any point in the control routine described above, the control routine will enter the alarm routine. The control routine for the pump activation microprocessor will be restarted after proper action is taken in response to the alarm.

R. Control Routine-Master Microprocessor The control routine for the master microprocessor will now be discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. As can be seen, the first function performed by the master control routine is to initialize the system. This is indicated by block 360. The initialization process was discussed above. After the master microprocessor has been initialized, the master control routine then performs a check to determine if it is necessary to enter the keyboard programming mode discussed above with respect to FIG. This test is indicated by decision diamond 362 in FIG.
If entering the keyboard programming mode is not correct, the next function performed by the master control routine is to determine whether entering the automatic verification mode is appropriate. This test is indicated by decision diamond 364.

The next check performed by the master routine is to determine if it is appropriate to enter manual verification mode. This inspection is a judgment diamond 36
Indicated by 6. If during each of the three tests described above it is decided to enter one of the various modes in which information has been entered by the operator into the device, the master control routine causes the information to be entered. . However, during this process, as seen in FIG. 39, the master control routine is constantly checking for the presence of any alarms generated by the system. In case of any alarm, the master control routine
The master microprocessor will be included in the alarm handling routine. If the alarm is one that the device can easily recover from, proper action will be taken and the master control routine will return to the default mode of keyboard programming in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. . If the alarm is not a "recoverable" alarm, then the master control routine returns
It will return the microprocessor to the position designated by reference numeral 370 in FIG.

In some embodiments of the present invention, means may be provided for generating an actual transfer record of multiple fluids within a single container. In this embodiment, the information generated by the master and pump actuation microprocessors may be transmitted via appropriate software to a standard printer, with a written record of the actual fluid and flow rate of the fluid transferred. To occur.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that it is for the purpose of illustration and illustration only, and not as a limitation. The spirit and scope of the invention is
It should be limited only by the language of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a moving set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 shows a coupler used in the transfer set of FIG.
(A) is a perspective view, (b) is 3 (b) -3 of (a).
It is sectional drawing by the line (b).

4 is an exploded view of a pair of mating plates and their associated tubes as used in the moving set of FIG.

5A and 5B respectively show high flexibility tubes used in the set of FIG. 2, FIG. 5A is a side view, and FIG. 5B is an end view.

6 shows a collecting pipe of the moving set of FIG. 2, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a sectional view of (a).

FIG. 7 shows an example of a chamber of the transfer set of FIG.
(A) is a perspective view, (b) is a sectional view of (a), (c) is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid portion used together with the chamber of (a).

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the first closing means of the device.

FIG. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the first closing means of the device.

10 is a perspective view of pressure means for selectively creating positive pressure and negative pressure in the chamber of FIGS. 7 (a)-(c). FIG.

11 is a perspective view of a tube used in the pressure means of FIG. 10 in connection with a peristaltic pump head and air vent means used in one embodiment of the present invention.

12 is an end view in which a part of the air safety valve of the pressure means of FIG. 10 is cut away.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the substrate of the housing in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the substrate of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second closure means of the device.

FIG. 16 is a partial exploded view of the mechanical design of the load cell assembly in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a housing covering the load cell of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an individual source container hanger.

FIG. 19 FIG. 18 in a state where the source container is not attached.
It is a rear view of the hanger.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a spring mechanism used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the spring mechanism of FIG.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a keyboard input device.

FIG. 23 is a simplified block diagram of a pair of microprocessors used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of the "start-up" routine of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a keyboard input mode program.

FIG. 26 is a display panel for displaying detailed weight and volume information for each source container.

FIG. 27 is a display panel for displaying information on a state during operation of the device.

28 (a) and (b) are flowcharts showing a "pump control" routine of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

29 (a) and 29 (b) are flowcharts showing the "keyboard monitor routine" of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the "pump monitor" routine of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing “completion” of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the “hold” routine used by the pump actuation microprocessor in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the load cell amplifier and A / D converter electronics of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the “pump” routine used by the pump actuation microprocessor in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing the "fill" routine accomplished by the pump actuation microprocessor in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the “drain” routine accomplished by the pump actuation microprocessor in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the “rinse” routine accomplished by the pump actuation microprocessor in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing a “pump control” routine for the master microprocessor.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a “master control” routine for the master microprocessor.

40 is a side cross-sectional view of a first occlusion means and occlusion sensor that can be used in the device of FIG.

41 is a plan view of contact members of the sensor system of FIG. 6. FIG.

42 is a side cross-sectional view of a second occlusion means that can be used in the device of FIG. 1 showing an associated occlusion sensor system.

43 is a sectional view of the second closure means of FIG. 8 taken generally along the line VIII-VIII.

44 is a cross-sectional end view of the second closure means of FIG. 8 taken generally along the line XX.

45 is a cross-sectional view of the second closure means of FIG. 8 taken generally along the line XI-XI.

46 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the plurality of sensors in FIGS. 40 and 41. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Device 16 Fluid Conduit 22 Chamber Outlet 26 Pressure Conduit 28 First Closing Means 30 Second Closing Means 32 Control Means 34 Transfer Set 38 Trays 39 Ends 40 Spikes 41 Boards 42 Coupling 43 Flexible Pipes 48 Coupling Conduit 52 Window portion 54 Finger-like projection 67 Collecting pipe 68 Connection conduit 124 Pressure means 128 Conduit line

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A device for sensing an occluding force on a flexible fluid conduit, wherein the conduit is sandwiched between opposing surfaces, one surface having a force sensor. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a member responsive to compression of the conduit. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the member comprises a plunger member. 4. The member responsive to compression of the conduit comprises:
3. A device according to claim 2, which is biased against movement, but which can be moved with sufficient compression known from experience. 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said sensor includes a device responsive to said member responsive to compression of said conduit to indicate sufficient compression of said conduit to move said member. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an axially movable plunger member and a switch actuated by the plunger member. 7. A device for sensing an occluding force on a flexible fluid conduit, wherein the conduit is sandwiched between opposing surfaces, the shaft end forming one of the opposing surfaces. An axially displaceable plunger member; a first electrical contact member engaged by the plunger member when the conduit is sandwiched between the opposing surfaces; An electrical contact member is disposed for electrical contact and the plunger is actuated to cause sufficient scissoring force of the conduit between the opposing surfaces to cause electrical contact between the electrical contact members. A device having a second electrical contact member for making or breaking electrical contact. 8. The apparatus of claim 7 including a spring operative to bias the plunger from engagement with the first electrical contact member. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first electrical contact member has an arm that carries an electrical contact. 10. The plunger and the first and second electrical contact members are mounted within a housing that is selectively movable to engage the other of the opposing surfaces. The device of claim 7, wherein 11. The first and second electrical contact members have flexible arms supporting electrical contacts, the arms being arranged parallel to each other and electrically connected. The device of claim 7, wherein the device is insulated. 12. The plunger and the first and second electrical contact members are mounted in a door hinged to a frame, the axial end of the plunger member protruding from within the door. 11. The device of claim 10 having opposite surfaces operative to operate. 13. A device for sensing an occluding force on a flexible fluid conduit, wherein the occluding force is created by sandwiching the conduit between opposing surfaces, the conduit having the conduit therein. A housing having one side facing a gap to be accommodated in the housing, and one shaft end located in the housing and protruding from the housing, the protruding shaft end being the conduit. An axially displaceable plunger operative to include one of said opposing surfaces sandwiching said ridge and a pair of separable electrical contact members cooperating to create and break electrical contact there between. Disposed in the housing having a plunger member actuated to engage one of the electrical contact members with the creation of a sufficient scissor force, thereby providing the electrical contact. A two-state switch for changing the electrical contact state existing between the members, and an elastic member having the one electrical contact member, selectively engaging with the plunger member, and biasing the plunger member from the engagement. A device having a member. 14. The one electrical contact member has a lead for supporting an electrical contact biased toward the other electrical contact member, the electrical contact member being in the absence of engagement by the plunger member. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the dynamic contact member is electrically contacted. 15. The other electrical contact member is disposed between the one electrical contact member and the plunger member, the plunger member causing the electrical contact member to generate sufficient scissor force. 15. The operative to engage against the one electrical contact member for disengagement.
The described device. 16. The projecting shaft end of the plunger member is coated with an elastic substance that acts to prevent invasion of contaminant bacteria into the interior of the housing.
The device according to 3. 17. A device for sensing an occluding force exerted on a flexible fluid conduit by sandwiching a flexible fluid conduit between the opposed surfaces, wherein the device faces one of the opposed surfaces, A housing that is selectively movable away from and away from the housing; and a shaft that is disposed within the housing and that is aligned with the axial movement of the housing, and that is axially movable within the housing; A plunger having one axial end projecting from the housing to act as the opposite surface of the other, and biasing the plunger out of the housing, operative to engage the plunger, Biasing the housing toward the one opposing surface to sandwich the conduit, An elastic member axially displaceable within the housing, a retaining member operative to engage the plunger to fully project from the housing to retain the plunger, and cooperate with the plunger. Operatively disposed within the housing and changing state to indicate application of sufficient scissor force on the conduit to occlude the conduit. 18. A set of separable electrical contacts, wherein the two-state switch carries electrical contacts between them, the electrical contacts arranged to actuate to break the electrical contacts are carried. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a member, wherein one of the electrical contact members is arranged for engagement by the plunger. 19. The set of electrical contact members includes a lead member, the one electrical contact member is disposed between the plunger and the other electrical contact member, and the electrical contact is provided. Are normally disengaged in the absence of engagement by the plunger with respect to the one electrical contact member, the plunger providing electrical coupling in response to application of sufficient scissor force on the conduit. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the electrical contacts are biased to do so. 20. The other electrical contact member is deflectable and flexes in response to engagement thereof by the one electrical contact member, and the electrical contact by engagement of it by the plunger. 20. The device of claim 19, which prevents excessive stress generation of the member. 21. A method for detecting occlusion of a flexible fluid conduit, the conduit being occluded by means for sandwiching the conduit between opposing surfaces, one of the surfaces being axially moveable. A method having an axial end of a plunger member, wherein the plunger member is moved axially in response to compression against it by the conduit, an axis opposite the plunger member with respect to an electrical contact member. Engaging the ends, moving the electrical contact member by applying a sufficient compressive force to the one shaft end of the plunger member, the electrical contact member and the other electrical contact member Changing the electrical interconnection state existing between the electrical connection and the detecting step, and detecting the change in the electrical interconnection state. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the electrical interconnection is broken. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the electrical interconnection is made. 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising biasing a plunger member toward the opposite surface, the bias being adapted to be overcome by the compressive force. 25. The method further comprising the step of limiting movement of the plunger member in response to the bias.
The method described. 26. A device for accurately moving a number of individual fluids from a number of source containers to a single receiving container, the fluids within the device being individually transferred from the number of source containers. Through a fluid conduit of the chamber to a chamber having a chamber fluid outlet in fluid communication with a single receiving container, the chamber also having a pressure conduit, wherein the individual fluid conduits are sandwiched between opposing surfaces. Is
First blocking means for selectively blocking fluid outflow from each of the individual fluid conduits into the chamber, and positive and negative pressures selected within the chamber to control the rate of fluid outflow through the chamber. Pressure means for creating positively, and the chamber outlet fluid conduit is sandwiched between opposing surfaces,
A second closing means for selectively preventing fluid outflow from the chamber outlet fluid conduit to the storage container, and a control means for controlling the first and second closing means and the pressure means, The control means causes the first closure means to allow fluid to flow out through at least one of the individual fluid conduits, while the second closure means causes the fluid to enter the containment vessel. Outflow, and at the same time, causing the pressure means to create a negative pressure in the chamber in order to precisely control the amount of fluid outflow into the chamber, the control means further comprising: Causing the first closure means to prevent fluid outflow through all of the individual fluid conduits after a predetermined amount of fluid has been transferred into the chamber, the control means then further comprising the second To block the , The pressure causing the fluid to flow out of the chamber through the outlet conduit while at the same time causing the pressure means to create a positive pressure in the chamber for pushing the fluid out of the chamber into the receiving container Means for detecting blockage of a fluid conduit by one of the first and second closing means, the axial direction having axial ends forming one of the opposed surfaces Said means having a moveable plunger member and a first electrical contact arranged to be engaged by said plunger member when said conduit is sandwiched between said opposing surfaces. A member, arranged to make electrical contact with the first electrical contact member, wherein the plunger is actuated to provide a sufficient scissoring force of the conduit between the opposing surface and the first electrical contact member. Electrical Apparatus having said second electrical contact member carried or electrical contact, or to or shut off between the member touch. 27. The device of claim 26, including a spring operative to bias the plunger member from engagement with the first electrical contact member. 28. The device of claim 26, wherein the first electrical contact member comprises an arm that carries an electrical contact. 29. The plunger member and the first and second electrical contact members are mounted within a housing that is selectively movable to engage the other of the opposing surfaces. 27. The device of claim 26, which is: 30. The first and second electrical contact members have flexible arms carrying electrical contacts, the arms being arranged parallel to each other and electrically connected. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the device is insulated. 31. The plunger and the electrical contact member are mounted in a door hinged to a frame, and a shaft end of the plunger member opposes to project from within the door. 30. The device of claim 29, having a surface to splay.